Effects of Flavonoids Extract from Dandelion on the Proliferation and Invasion of Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective:To study the effects of flavonoids from dandelion alcohol extract (dandelion flavonoids) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of human Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and its potential mechanism. Methods:CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of flavonoids extracted from dandelion on ESCC cells proliferation. Scratch assay and transwell migration assay were applied to observe the migration and invasion abilities of ESCCs after drug treatment. Western blot was used to investigate the mechanism of drug on ESCC cells migration and invasion. Results:The flavonoid extracted of dandelion significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner, and remarkably blocked the abilities of migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Flavonoid extracts of dandelion increased the expression of EMT-related proteins E-cadherin and decreased the expression of N-cadherin, Snail-1 and ZO-1 proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion:Dandelion flavonoids can significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells. EMT pathway plays an important role in metastasis of flavonoids-treated ESCC cells. This study will provide an effective experimental basis for dandelion to prevent and treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.